The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Graduate Internship Programme in the Eastern Cape. A total of four internship opportunities are available across Procurement, Inventory and Logistics, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
The internship programme is offered on a two-year fixed-term, non-renewable contract and is scheduled to commence on 1 November 2026. Successful applicants will gain practical workplace experience through on-the-job training, mentoring and coaching while receiving a monthly stipend in accordance with the applicable NHLS stipend structure.
The available internship positions are based in Gqeberha, East London and Mthatha.
NHLS Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2028
The National Health Laboratory Service provides laboratory services to the public healthcare sector and offers graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional working environment.
The Eastern Cape region has advertised four Graduate Intern positions for unemployed graduates who meet the specified educational and other eligibility requirements.
The available opportunities are distributed as follows:
| Department | Position | Posts | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procurement | Graduate Intern | 1 | Gqeberha – Main Building |
| Inventory & Logistics | Graduate Intern | 1 | East London Regional Office |
| Human Resources | Graduate Intern | 2 | East London Regional Office & Mthatha |
An additional internship opportunity is listed under Inventory and Logistics for graduates with Information Technology qualifications.
Internship Positions and Qualifications
1. Graduate Intern – Procurement
Number of Posts: 1
Location: Gqeberha – Main Building
Department: Procurement
Applicants interested in the Procurement internship must have completed an Advanced Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management.
Applications for this position must be submitted to:
Email: [email protected]
The Procurement intern will have an opportunity to gain practical exposure to activities associated with the procurement and supply chain environment. The internship is intended to provide graduates with workplace experience that complements their academic qualifications.
2. Graduate Intern – Inventory and Logistics
Number of Posts: 1
Location: East London Regional Office
Department: Inventory and Logistics
Applicants must have an Advanced Diploma, BTech or BCom in Logistics.
Applications must be submitted to:
Email: [email protected]
The internship provides an opportunity for graduates to gain practical experience in inventory and logistics-related functions while receiving workplace mentoring and coaching.
3. Graduate Intern – Human Resources
Number of Posts: 2
Locations: East London Regional Office and Mthatha
Department: Human Resources
Applicants must have an Advanced Diploma, BTech or BCom in Human Resources Management (HRM) or Human Resources Development (HRD).
Applications must be submitted to:
Email: [email protected]
Successful Human Resources interns will gain practical workplace exposure in an HR environment and will receive training and guidance during the internship period.
4. Graduate Intern – Information Technology
Department: Inventory and Logistics
Location: Eastern Cape Region
Applicants must have an Advanced Diploma or BTech/BA/Degree in Information Technology.
Applications must be submitted to:
Email: [email protected]
This opportunity is intended for graduates who have completed the required Information Technology qualification and meet the general internship requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Candidates must:
- Be unemployed South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have completed an Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 6), Degree, Honours or Master’s degree in the relevant discipline specified for the position.
- Not have previously participated in an internship programme within the Public Service.
- Have excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
- Be computer literate and demonstrate strong technological skills.
- Have a valid driver’s licence, which is listed as advantageous.
Applicants should also demonstrate personal and professional qualities that are suitable for a workplace environment.
These include:
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- A positive attitude.
- Reliability and self-discipline.
- Responsibility and commitment.
- Results orientation.
- Emotional intelligence.
- Resilience.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Solid technical and functional competence.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee appointment. Applications will be assessed according to the requirements of the advertised internship positions.
Internship Duration and Start Date
The NHLS Graduate Internship Programme is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract.
The internship is scheduled to start on:
1 November 2026
The contract is non-renewable.
During the two-year programme, successful candidates will receive practical workplace exposure through on-the-job training, mentoring and coaching.
The programme is designed to help graduates develop practical skills and gain experience relevant to their qualifications.
Stipend
Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend.
The stipend will be determined according to the NHLS stipend structure and will depend on the relevant qualification level.
Applicants should note that accommodation and transport will not be provided as part of the internship programme.
Candidates should therefore take their location and personal transport or accommodation arrangements into consideration before applying for positions in Gqeberha, East London or Mthatha.
Documents Required
Applicants must ensure that all required documents are prepared before submitting an application.
Each application must include:
- A recent and comprehensive CV detailing qualifications and work experience, including dates.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copy of driver’s licence, if applicable.
Certification must be valid at the time of submission.
Applicants should ensure that documents are clear and legible. Incomplete applications or applications submitted incorrectly may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants should first identify the internship position that matches their qualification.
The application must then be sent to the correct email address associated with the relevant position.
The email subject line should clearly indicate the position title and reference, where applicable.
Applications should contain all required supporting documentation, including the CV and certified copies of the required documents.
It is important to use the correct email address because applications are directed to the relevant regional or departmental contact.
Application Email Addresses
Procurement – Graduate Intern
Qualification: Advanced Diploma/Degree in Supply Chain Management
Email: [email protected]
Inventory and Logistics – Graduate Intern
Qualification: Advanced Diploma/BTech/BCom Logistics
Email: [email protected]
Human Resources – Graduate Intern
Qualification: Advanced Diploma/BTech/BCom in HRM/HRD
Email: [email protected]
Information Technology – Graduate Intern
Qualification: Advanced Diploma or BTech/BA/Degree in Information Technology
Email: [email protected]
Applicants are advised to double-check the email address, position title and attached documents before submitting the application.
Enquiries
For enquiries relating to the Eastern Cape Graduate Internship Programme, applicants may contact the HR Office.
Eastern Cape Region
Contact: Mr. Siyanda Sigwinta
Telephone: 043 700 8708
Applicants should use the contact details provided for official enquiries regarding the advertised internship opportunities.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 23 September 2026
Applications should be submitted before the closing date. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.
Late applications may not be considered.
Important Information for Applicants
Before applying, candidates should carefully check that the qualification held matches the qualification specified for the selected internship.
Applicants should also ensure that the CV provides complete information about qualifications and experience, including dates. Certified copies of the required documents should be prepared in advance.
Since the programme is intended for unemployed South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 who have not previously participated in an internship programme within the Public Service, candidates should confirm their eligibility before submitting an application.
The internship programme offers graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in areas including Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Human Resources and Information Technology.
Applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications using the email address corresponding to the relevant internship position.